One Direction took home the night's biggest prize

At the annual American Music Awards on Sunday night, Taylor Swift took home the Dick Clark Award for Excellence (presented by music legend Diana Ross), and One Direction scooped up the Favorite Band, Duo, or Group — Pop/Rock and Favorite Album — Pop/Rock trophies. The British boy band also took home the Artist of the Year award, upsetting Beyoncé and Katy Perry. In another surprise decision, Iggy Azalea took home the prize for Favorite Artists — Rap/Hip-Hop and Favorite Album — Rap/Hip-Hop for her spring release, The New Classic. Britian’s Sam Smith won his first major award for Favorite Male Artist — Pop or Rock, and before the broadcast, Enrique Iglesis won Favorite Artist — Latin. Imagine Dragons won Favorite Artist — Alternative for the second year in a row, beating out Lorde and Bastille.

Swift kicked the show off with a fiery performance of her new single, “Blank Space,” featuring some highly self-aware nods (dead exes, withering stares, poison apples, and more). Charli XCX showed off her vocal chops during a medley of “Boom Clap” and new single “Break the Rules,” which she completed by smashing a Sucker-emblazoned guitar into pieces.